Local efforts tackling disease risks and basic health needs

Local agencies are stepping up public and animal health protections across the region. Emergency Services are training community groups in CPR, while health officials respond to a confirmed rabies case in downtown Helen and a parvovirus outbreak that has paused non-emergency intakes at the Habersham County Animal Shelter. At the same time, a free mobile food pantry in Royston aims to ease food insecurity, underscoring how medical, animal welfare, and nutrition initiatives work together to protect overall community well-being.